Agostinho e a busca essencial: delineamento e expressão do quaerere a partir das obras de Cassicíaco

Abstract

The academic work delves into Augustine's philosophical-Christian construction of a perspective on the essential quest to which all humans are inclined and which propels them toward God. This analysis is undertaken through the examination of works produced immediately after Augustine's conversion to Christianity, during his retreat at Cassiciaco. The first section explores Augustine's trajectory leading up to his conversion, highlighting various experiences that are perceived as an erratic search, stemming from his transformative shift in how he approaches seeking. The second part delves into the construction of the concept of essential seeking through an analysis of the Latin term "quaerere". The Cassiciaco retreat and works created during this period are scrutinized, establishing a connection with the eudaimonistic philosophy of antiquity and the conceptual separation proposed by the understanding of philosophical-Christian essential seeking. Following this, the text analyzes how Augustine outlines the "quaerere," comprehending his own journey of pursuit and the change that follows conversion. The final section of the text focuses on the expression of "quaerere" as reflected in Cassiciaco's works, a period during which Augustine dedicates himself to understanding essential seeking and developing its various expressions. Specifically, the study addresses the "quaerere veritatem," the "quaerere beatitudinem," and finally, the "quaerere Deum" as manifestations of essential seeking.